MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid‑South is partnering with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to launch a six‑week fitness and fundraising initiative aimed at supporting lifesaving childhood cancer research — with participation open at all YMCA branches, including the location in Olive Branch.
The 105‑Mile Challenge represents the distance from the Fogelman Downtown YMCA, looping around every Memphis‑area YMCA branch, and ending at the St. Jude campus. Members are encouraged to collectively complete 105 miles and raise $105 to benefit St. Jude, where families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
Participants may log miles through walking, running, cycling, swimming, or group exercise classes while rallying friends and family to support their fundraising efforts.
“This partnership reflects the heart of the YMCA’s mission; strengthening community through health, wellness, and social responsibility,” said Brian McLaughlin, President and CEO of the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid‑South. “By joining forces with St. Jude, we are turning healthy habits into hope for families who need it most.”
Funds raised will directly support St. Jude’s work to advance cures and prevention methods for childhood cancer and other life‑threatening diseases.
Registration details, challenge dates, and donation information are available at 105saveslives.org.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
